family christmas

This is a picture of Jose holding Cameron days after he was born (8/2007). Cameron had to be admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after birth so Jose waited patiently to hold his new baby brother. My parents turned this into a Christmas card last year and under the photo it said Peace On Earth. It was perfect!

I hope everyone had a peaceful Christmas Day with family and friends! I've read several blogs and notice that everyone DID have a wonderful day and that makes me feel so happy. I know I had choice words about my reluctance towards this year's Christmas, but I am happy to post that my Christmas turned out better than I had anticipated ~ and I can't complain. I had a nice day, tiring, but really nice. I didn't feel rushed which is how I normally feel.

Our day started as most households with young children begin. Running about wildly! Eyes glazed over mysterious presents and anxiously waiting for 'Ma and Pa' to rise from bed. Cameron was so cute! He did notice that there were toys for him ~ he's so observant.

The broom and the Elmo-talking chair were Cameron's favorite so far.

Jose's favorites were his rifle and pistol (both BB guns) and a DVD player for his room.

The kids played around with their new toys and I cleaned everything up (what else is new?). DH and Jose went outside to test out the BB guns, and they had lots of fun shooting at targets in the backyard. We got ready and headed over to Grandpa's house for brunch. Brunch was delicious!!!

We had pumpernickel toast and Lox. Yum~Yum! It was gooooood! Grandpa can cook.

Look at Cameron's smirk...he kept messing with the fireplace screen and it kept falling on him.

But don't worry...Cameron wasn't harmed by anyway and Daddy was safely by his side...of course in this photo it appears Daddy isn't doing anything to help "Mini-Me" out.

We had a nice visit with Grandpa. Jose got a gift certificate, which he loves getting, and Cameron got some much needed outfits. DH and I got some kitchen aids, which we needed as well. After spending time with Grandpa and eating brunch we drove over to Nana and Papa's for round 3. It's always a big ole' time at Nana and Papa's house. They make everything "fun" for everyone and yet again, they've spoiled all of us rotten.

Jose played "Santa" this year ~ he loves it too! Cameron was a wee bit shy of Jose's new face. :o)

Cameron received the new talking, moving, and interactive Elmo which is so realistic even Daddy loved getting hugs from Elmo. LOL

Jose was so overjoyed by the dart board, Pikachu doll, video games and gift certificates that he could hardly contain his enthusiasm. The kids had a blast! Us 'big kids' had a blast too. DH received a very handsome t-shirt :o) and a HUGE bottle of Gio' cologne (one of the best smells on earth, btw). Take a look at DH supporting that new T...

...and he WILL!!!!

I got some cool stuff too! Are you sitting down??? I got 18 different cross stitch charts, walnut crystals, 3 calendars, 2 craft-type books, and the best is the clock my mother gave to me.

I love this clock!!

After presents we giggled and ate. We had lasagna and it was go-od!!! I took this picture of Cameron while I was standing back observing his actions. He caught me catching him. I was catching him in the act of his usual "cliff hanging" (climbing a BIG problem for us) and here is the face that he gave me.

Lil' Devil, ugh?...and this is what he was up to. Mind you, there is a table in front of him and he's standing on a foot stool that he pushed over to the edge (he also stole his brother's cookie too and was munching on that). His intentions were NOT to look this cute after all...they were to............

...push the foot stool over to the table...climb onto the stool...give Mama my most fabulous grin...climb up onto the table...and use the phone. I have to warn you. He might just be calling you. He called Canada twice. Alabama, New Hampshire, my mother's cell and her house and a friend. So watch out! If you here baby babble, it's Mr. Cameron. :o) Please be kind to this prank caller!

We finished the evening off with some pecan pie. Hey, who ate that one little piece before I could take this picture??? Daaaad!!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I've enjoyed sharing our Christmas with all of you! Bring on the New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Today is a busy one for us. First, we have our Christmas here at home. Afterwards, we'll be heading to my FIL's for visiting and a traditional family breakfast. We'll hang there for the afternoon. Lastly, we head to my parents' house for dinner and our Christmas Day evening. This is like the finale to our day. The kids are always spoiled and the food is always scrumptious. We're having lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and all kinds of pies and tasty treats.

From my family to yours, we hope your day is complete with peace, tradition, memories and love. I know ours will! Merry Christmas to All and to All a special day!

Happy Birthday, Jesus and Merry Merry Christmas to YOU!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve to ALL! I hope everyone is ready for dear ole' Santa Claus. Jose is 11 and is now questioning the validity behind Santa. I have not clued him in nor have I let on the actual truth behind the gift-giving. He's guessing that parents go out at night Christmas Eve and do the shopping. One parent stays home, the other shops. The shopping parent comes home and the other goes out and shops. We diverted him from this thinking bc that's just insanity, really. Selfishly it would be easier if he did know because less sneaking around for me and less money we would have to spend. However, Jose not believing just reminds me he isn't a baby anymore ~ and he's growing up so fast. The magic that Santa brings is slowly disappearing from him. Nonetheless, Cameron is 16 months and we have yet another 10 years, maybe less, to instill the magic of Santa and Christmastime. Cameron is still at that age where he hadn't a clue...and that is okay. I truly believe that the magic is what you make of it. My Mother once told me that no matter the circumstance of your Christmas, wedding, holiday, etc., no matter the "disaster" a person may be facing, someone around you is forming a memory. And she's so right. This isn't one of my better Christmas'. As a matter of fact, I can't wait for tomorrow's end, the 2008 wrapping up its year, and 2009 brings a fresh start-a new beginning. I shouldn't feel this way, but in fact I do. Christmas morning I will be wearing my happy face for my kids' sake and I'll be glad to do that for them.

One thing Christmas is missing is Christmas carolers. When I was a child I remember getting a knock on the door around 6:00 - 7:00 pm Christmas Eve. My father would open the door and I could hear the angelical noise coming from outside. My Mom, little brother and myself would come running to the door. It was a sign that Christmas morning was upon us! I remember wondering if they were embarrassed to be singing to us as much embarrassment it was for me to stand there staring at perfect strangers while they sang. I often giggled about it though! It was so beautiful to hear a choir of strangers singing Christmas carols outside our door. It was truly amazing and innocent a time! And I ask myself today ~ What happened to the Christmas carolers??? I don't see them anymore and I don't hear about them either. What I wouldn't give to receive a knock on the door, to open it to a group of singers rejoicing, with snow cascading around them. I remember the carolers illuminating in the dark amongst the Christmas lights. I miss the carolers.

Last, but never never ever least, where would any of us be without Jesus!?!? Tomorrow is truly a day to celebrate Him for it is His birthday. Merry Christmas Eve, Jesus!

I must be off for now. I've got some wrapping to do and possibly a movie to wind down with. Tomorrow is a BIG day after all ~ lots to do, lots to do!

Merry Merry Christmas Eve, and from the words of Tiny Tim Cratchit "God Bless Us, Every One!"

the day before...the night before...christmas...when

all my kids were causing me stress and having fun while doing so. Nah!!! I'm just kidding...well sort of (hee-hee). I wanted to share my day with whomever is left STILL blogging so close to Christmas Day.

In the morning I baked banana bread...and it was really really yummy. DH was jealous bc I started baking and making before he scooted off to work. He actually thought me and the boys were going to eat this whole thing. Now mind you, that is a possibility, but we wouldn't do that to dear ole' Daddy. Unfortunately, I'm not Better Crocker so this was from the home of Pillsbury. But we still enjoyed it!

I stitched Jose and Cameron's first initials on their stockings. Turned out kinda primitive and cute. Hard to see the letters in the picture, but they are quite visible in-person. Cameron's is red against the black of Frosty's hat and Jose's is green against the red rim.

The boys playing under the table. Our chairs have to be put down because Cameron climbs in them and won't leave them alone...EVER! So the boys thought it would be cool to play "fort" and then Jose thought it was cool to tickle the spit and snot out of Cameron (literally)...which Cameron had no problem doing.

Jose and Mama enjoyed some stitchin' time together today. We sat on my bed, watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (real Christmasy ugh?), giggled and stitched while Cameron took a nap. He stitched on his Soggy Froggy by Janlynn and I my Primitive Deer by The Prairie Schooler.

I took a photo of my Grandma's Santa head. I have two of these Santa door knob covers. My Grandmother was always crocheting and knitting; always crafting something. She made several of these and I was blessed with owning two.

I found another angel to adorn my tree. So precious indeed!

Cameron still doesn't know what to think of Christmas, Santa or this tree. But what I do know is that he's out to destroy it. Every chance he gets, he shakes the table so ALL the ornaments will make some noise and sometimes fall...and boy do they ever.

lunch, quiet time, & afternoon blogging

My little one is napping. My big one is playing games in his room. And I'm having a cozy little lunch of tomato soup and hard salami with cream cheese. It is really hitting the spot. Instead of one can of water, I use one can of milk ~ much more creamier. I also have the backdrop noise of one of my favorite Christmas movies: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. I just love this movie! So right now, I am having an intimate moment with myself and loving every moment of it. I decided this be a good time as any to submit a post.

It is 3 days until Christmas~~Ahhhh! I have only a little shopping yet to be had, but nothing major - thankfully! I've noticed that all the blogs have slowed down and I have to admit that I'm missing each and every one of you already. But it warms my heart that you all are with family and loved ones and I know you're enjoying the season. In a previous post I mentioned my Grandmother's angel not yet making it to the top of our tree. Well...she made it! First, it gives my heart a hug everytime I pull the angel out of the box. Grandma would be pleased that I cherish this keepsake so much. She sits atop our tree every year. My Grandma made the angel herself out of plastic canvas and yarn. The wings and star detach which is great for storing her. Grandma made a few of these angels for everyone in the family and I'm so blessed that I got one. Here she is...

Not sure if anyone remembers our tree dilemma. We had to opt out our standard 6-7 foot tree because Cameron is quite the monkey-face these days and it would have been a lot of trouble keeping him "out" of the tree. It would have been a mess and not worth the headache. So reluctantly we purchased a 2-3 foot tree and we weren't thrilled, but we remembered what was truly important. I didn't know how I was going to adorn the little tree. I think my Mom might have felt bad about our dilemma and while we were at Joann's in the beginning of the month she was gracious and loving and bought us a 4 foot pre-lite tree that was on sale. We figured we could put it on top of a table and Cameron wouldn't have it so easy. I had to carefully pick which ornaments were to adorn the tree bc of lack of size and room. These will probably be the last Christmas decoration photos I'll post...maybe! lol Here is our 4 foot tree all done.

Here's what I did to our 2-3 foot tree. Nothing much, but better than the alternative. It has little red hearts and very small fiberfilled ornaments such as gingerbread boys, presents, drums and so forth. There's a tiny strand of gold garland and teeny-tiny clear angels. I put a small silver bow for the top because both my angels are way too large for this Charlie Brown Christmas tree. :o)

Here are some more photos of decorative items. Enjoy!

This was a make-it and take-it at my LNS a couple months back. I finally tacky glued the silver and red cording to the back last night. It's meant to hang around a large glassed candle, but I decided to use it as an ornament for the tree. I cut that snowflake myself too. :o)

Jose made this hanging photo frame of himself in 2002. He was so little then!

I stitched this many years ago. It was one of the first things I stitched and had finished professionally. The back is a green velvet and is sooo soft. The design is The Artists Collection. The linen was Raspberry and was difficult for me to stitch on at the time. I wasn't used to stitching on dark linen then. I don't have any problems now. :o)

I purchased this framed chalk board/cork board from Goodwill months ago for only $4.00.

Santa is checking on the 5-day weather report. This little guy is so precious. Squeeze his hand and he says, "Remember..the magic of Christmas lies in your heart."

I must leave now. Cameron has woke from his nap and we have to meet DH at Firestone. Something is wrong with his vehicle. And at 3:45 I have to take Cameron back to the doctor. Poor baby has the runniest nose I've ever seen and he can hardly eat because of the drainage. Well, this makes 6 times to the doc's office this month. Enjoy your afternoon!

this and that...and then some

I've been neglecting my blog lately, and not by choice. Since December 2nd someone in this household has had some kind of sickness. The entire month has been spent at doctor appointments and in doors. I feel utterly cooped up and I am. The month of December didn't start off well and its only prolonged what has been needing to get done...Christmas shopping and decorative transformation. Only in the last few days have I felt "Christmasy" and that's treading lightly around that word. I'm still getting Christmas decorations in order and the place is a mess. Anyway, onto bigger and brighter things...

First, I finished the first book of the Twilight saga, Twilight. Can I say "O-M-G!!" This book was truly fascinating. I took it everywhere ~ I even read it at traffic lights. Any chance I got, I read it. All I can say is that I would love to be bitten by Edward Cullen! Ugh!!! I just finished this book Friday and already picked up the second book New Moon. Can't say too much about it yet...just started it the other night.

I finally finished a cross stitch piece. I started this the week of Thanksgiving but since I got sick I lost focus and put it down. I'm embarrassed to admit that it is rather small and it should have been done sooner. However, I did finish stitching it a week ago and finally got around to putting the finishing touches on it late last night. It's a Heart In Hand design called Pine Tree. I stitched it on 32 ct Lambswool and the instruction was to chose any pine green and I choose DMC 520. I hand sewed a piece of deep red fabric on the back and attached jute cording so I could hang it on my tree. I lightly stuffed it with fiber-fill. It's a cute little thing. I'm just happy I have another handmade ornament on my tree. :o)

Here is a sneak peek on my progress of The Sampler Girl's design Be Still and Know That I Am God freebie that Tanya was gracious enough to dream up. I can't wait to finish this and I have a couple of finishing ideas in the works. I really want this one to be special because it comes from a very special heart.

I have some really cool and exciting news!! Well, for me anyway. LOL I won a Blog Giveaway from Suzann!!! I am so excited about winning as I've never won anything before besides a gold fish in the 5th grade. I would like to add though that my gold fish, Bubba, lived for 5 years so he was a wonderful prize after all. Of course, I have no idea what I've won from Suzann. According to her blog it is a box full of goodies! I cannot wait to receive it! Thanks Suzann and Merry Christmas to YOU!!!

As of Friday, Jose is off school and doesn't return until January 7th. Can you believe that? That's a looong time to be out of school for winter break. I remember we returned the day after New Year and it felt all too short a break. Jose complained because he didn't think the break was long enough. Ha-ah! I am somewhat relieved though. DH gets to have at least 2 weeks of sleeping in time bc normally he takes Jose to school. And I get a much needed break from picking up Jose after school. It'll be nice to not have to be somewhere everyday. During Jose's break he will get to spend a couple nights at his Nana and Papa's which he's looking forward to. He loves spending time with them and I'm so blessed that he does. They are fantastic grandparents! Cameron still hasn't had his chance to spend the night yet and that'll be interesting when it occurs. :o) Remember the movie 'Indian in the Cupboard?' Here's my version of 'Cameron in the Cupboard'...well niche really! He fits so perfectly in this little hide-out.

We are ALL finally getting over the crud. DH and I are still coughing, but we're much improved. However, I've been sick the longest and DH is recovering rather quickly compared to myself. I just know I'll be sick for Christmas ~ been sick since December 4th. Jose still has a runny, stuffy nose, and Cameron still has a very teeny-tiny cough that causes some gagging, but we haven't had vomit in days so this is looking good!

I can't believe Christmas is almost here! I met up with Mom today to do some last minute shopping. Oh who am I kidding??? I just went Christmas shopping for the first time yesterday. I am beating myself up over this. I do have a couple excuses though. For one, we've all been rather sick and this has delayed my wanting to go out into the world and shop. Being sick really can get depressing. I've been slowly getting Christmas decorations out and I'm not proud of myself with that either. It bothers me to no end that it is 4 days until Christmas and I'm still not done decorating the house. Not for me, but for my kids' sake, I should have had this done weeks ago. I feel like a terrible mother. BUT for the last couple days I've been trying to pull myself together and get to decorating. Here are photos of our decorations. Next year will be better, I just know it...I feel it!

These are Santa pants that my late MIL gave to us as a gift. The best part about this gift were the delicious jams and jellys she made that were tucked inside the legs. They fit perfectly and stood erect all on its own. It was such a cute gift! Unfortunately, my home doesn't come with a fireplace. If it did, I would hang Santa's pants off the mantle.

The picture on the far left is one of me, Jose and DH long before we were ever married. We were so cute the three of us! This is one of my favorite photos of us three together.

My garland of angels.

My Mom bought this angel for me a few years back. It's one of my favorite Christmas decorations. The angel needs a companion though. :o(

I'm sure most of you can guess where I bought my star and "hope" signage. :o)

Grandma's handmade poinsettia.

Santa holding two prim hearts. I love that old pillowcase fabric!

My little helpers. Aren't they cute?

My MIL gifted each of us an ornament several years ago. It really is cute! It's handmade but I'm not sure she made it...might have though. She was really creative.

I once was a figure skater so having an ice skate is essential to my tree. This is the more modern skate.

These are more rustic ice skates made from wood. I recently saw these at Kohl's and had to get them.

Jose made this ornament out of red pipe cleaner and a few plastic beads when he was in Kindergarten. I've held onto it ever since. Jose coiled it so it wraps around the tree branch just the way it should.

I love pigs! My cousin, Kari, gave this pig to me as a present a few years back. I have another pig on the tree, but this one is my favorite. It's very special to me.

This one is silly actually. My Mom stitched this. It is supposed to be a scissor fob. She gave it to me a really long time ago since I didn't have a fob and I decided to use it as an ornament. It's fitting, don't you think? LOL

Glad Tidings...simply put!

Ah...NOEL! This ornament used to belong to my Mom and naturally she gifted it to me. It's been on our tree forever. I remember it as a child ~ it's probably older than me! I love how the light shines through...like stained glass.

See the faded construction paper garland? Well, that was my little creation when I was teeny-tiny. My Mom usually puts this on her tree, but as of last year it re-belongs to me.

My newest ornament this year is the acorn and I stitched the star piece two years ago. It technically doesn't "belong" on the tree, but I wanted it there this year.

Jesus does save...and by the looks of it, he saves the purple Mickey Mouse head ornament too. Since my Dad works for Disney it's only appropriate to have Mickey on the tree. In fact, there are 12 of these bad-boys!

No tree is complete without Santa. He adorns the top near the angel, but she hasn't made it there yet. I'll post her portrait at a later time.

That's it for now. I know...overkill right?!?! Hey, it's Christmastime ~ tis the season to be sharing! I meant to post this Saturday night, but Cameron had another episode of vomiting, even after I said we hadn't had one of those in days, he goes and decides to have a Linda Blair moment so I had to tend to that and help put him back to sleep. He was rather upset. I was pooped and fell asleep with him. And now it's Sunday, we finished our breakfast of scrambled eggs and blueberry muffins and lunch is now upon us - a late lunch really. Now off to finish laundry, clean up, finish putting away decoration boxes, and get to some much needed stitching! It relaxes me so.

take me away (edited)

I am really sick and tired of being sick and tired. All the sickos, including myself, are driving me bonkers!!! I can't take anymore. In the last 3 weeks I've been to the doctor 4 times (technically 5) and not just for myself. Three weeks ago on the 2nd, Cameron was at the doctor for his 15-month checkup and while there received his immunizations and a flu shot ~ all else well. Later that week on the 5th, I needed to see the doctor because I was very ill. However, I made an appointment for 2:45 that afternoon, but I felt so terrible that I came up with the idea of going to my doctor's walk-in clinic in the morning to be seen faster. I was turned away and we had to get back into the car and return home. I kept my appointment for 2:45 and saw the doctor...finally!

Meanwhile Jose was getting over a mild cough he had from Thanksgiving, but otherwise he was well. DH was fine at this point and Mom was taking care of my kids, me and my home while I was bed-ridden. After a couple days I was able to function, Mom was relieved and I was feeling hopeful. Then on the 11th (my birthday) I still wasn't at my full potential and Cameron had developed a little cough that needed attention. It was that gagging type cough. So off we went to see his doctor again for the second time in less than 10 days. Found out he had a little ear infection so she prescribed an antibiotic for that and a steroidal cough suppressant.

In the evening of the 11th, DH was feeling rather terrible and running a fever. He wasn't looking too hot either. This was also the evening of his company's Christmas dinner at a nice restaurant called Maggiano's - great Italian food, btw! But DH was insistent we go and off we went to dinner. I was still coughing up a storm from my illness-can't even laugh without going into a coughing frenzy. DH barely ate and he felt ill the whole time. Friday came and DH still went to work, but was weak, achy and feverish; and according to him he had to be at work for an install at an important client's office. It had to be done by him. He managed to get off work early and as soon as he got home went to bed. Saturday came and he refused to go to the walk-in clinic even though he was running a 102 degree temperature. He was in pain, nauseous, coughing profusely, couldn't sleep, couldn't eat and on and on and on. He kept me up and is still keeping me up...so his Cameron.

Over the weekend, come to find out that my mother is really ill with bronchitis - thanks to me and my wonderful boys! I feel so guilty because she's ill. If it weren't for her coming here, she more than likely wouldn't have caught the crud from us. The weekend has been exhausting. Yesterday, was my 5th trip to the doctor. I drove DH to the doctor where he was tested for flu and strep. Thankfully both negative results. However, his fever is difficult to control and the doctor diagnosed him with a sinus infection and bronchitis. We talked "guns" with the doctor (let's leave please), got our prescription and off to Walgreen's we went.

Here we are and Mama is clinically insane. I'm tired of ALL the coughing. We're all coughing! Jose has a little party going on in his nose so he's all nas-ly and congested. I'm still coughing and have been getting my little friends...headaches. Chris is coughing something terrible and he's been home for 2 days now from work. It isn't just a cough either. It's the gagging, spit up cough that is loud and hard. He's also a terrible patient. He doesn't listen. Doesn't do what he should do to get better. Men!!! And then there is poor Mr. Cameron who still has his little cough (I need to call the doctor about this today), but his cough is nasty. He coughs, gags, then vomits. Yeah, I've been literally catching vomit in my hands, paper towels, napkins, you name it, I'm doing it. Last night Cameron threw up twice at dinner because of coughing. And then there is the other stuff I'm dealing with too ~ you know, "crap." And I'm tired of keeping track and looking at all the medicine laying around the house.

Ohhhhhhhhhh......I'm at my wits end with all this sickness. I'm frustrated because I can't visit my mom nor help my mom in the way she helped me. I've got all these sickos, including myself, to take care of. Boy, I need a vacation!!!

Yep, I need a vacation. Cameron just pushed the table that has our tree on it away from the wall....Cameron, look out!!! OMG! Calgon...take me away!

my heart is content and inspired

I just got my January 2009 Just Cross Stitch magazine in the mail on Friday afternoon. I’ve been meaning to mention a couple things.

First, I love the design by The Sampler Girl entitled Persuasion! It’s absolutely adorable. I so much love and appreciate how Tanya has brought a timeless novel to us and especially to the people (like me) that aren’t familiar with the writings of Jane Austen, so that I may get a glimpse of treasured writings and authors. My favorite part, however, is the verse: “she tried to be calm and leave things to take their course”. There are times I have an immense amount of anxiety bottled up and, lack for a better word, I tend to “freak” out from time-to-time. I don't like this about myself. I have a tendency to over react and it’s just because I worry so about everything. I think the root of the problem is a lack of control or not being able to control all things around me. The verse from Persuasion reminds me of the Serenity Prayer. It goes...

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change…
Courage to change the things I can…
And Wisdom to know the difference…

In the early Fall, my mother gave me a silver cuff bracelet with the Serenity Prayer inscribed within it. I think it goes without saying that the verse in the Persuasion piece really speaks volumes to me. This is something I still need to learn for myself and for my own well-being. It’s a constant reminder that I need “to be calm and leave things to take their course.” I am so glad this design was chosen for the JCS. I think this may be my favorite design of Tanya's yet…and there are so many that I love, but this one speaks to me personally. I feel it “belongs” to me.

Thank you, Tanya, for a wonderful reproduction of Jane Austen!

Secondly, in this same JCS issue there is an article about designer Tracy Riffle from Hands To Work Designs, which I also love. The article is entitled 'Designing in Faded Glory'. This article was fascinating to me because it really dove into the designer herself. I love getting to know the designer. It's interesting to learn where they find their inspiration and where those ideas derive. I can identify with Tracy's way of designing. She stumbles on her designs not by way of brainstorming and planning, but by images, sounds and connection to the world around her. I am this same way. When it comes to my daily-dealings I need schedule and planning, but when it dwells on the side of creativity I do much better flying by the seat of my pants. I admire this same principle in Tracy, and I look forward to seeing many new creations from her.

"pillow" talk

I finally can show off my most recent Stacy Nash piece called Christmas Partridge Pinkeep Pillow. My mother and I just had our birthdays and instead of buying my mother a present I decided to hand-make her gift. Now that she is the proud owner, I can post photos of it on my blog. The original date on this SN piece is the 25th but I wanted to personalize this pillow for mom so I changed the date to her birthday; the 10th. I am really pleased with the results and I think she is too! Happy Birthday, Mom!

Christmas Partridge Pinkeep Pillow
Design by: Stacy Nash
Fabric: 28 ct Champagne Linen
Floss: DMC
Additional Info: Fabric is aged front and back using coffee and distressing solution. After sewing and stuffing, I added free-hand cross stitches over the seams for a primitive feel.

counting down

I am counting down the days... And not for Christmas! On January 23rd, Mom and I are headed to historical St. Augustine, Florida for a weekend-by-the-beach class taught by legendary designer Susan Greening Davis of "Still Stitching with Susan." I cannot wait!!! Not only is this my one and only opportunity for a vacation away from ALL my boys, but it's a time to build more wonderful memories with my mom and to be taught by a spectacular human being, Susan herself, along with her forever-friends Sally Criswell and Pat Embree. Pat is the owner of my LNS. She does all the cooking and offers goodies from her shop as well. She's such a good friend, and Sally is a hoot.

Learning from Susan is one everyone should experience. When conversing with Susan it feels as if you've known her a century. She makes the learning process comfortable, fun and easy. I always feel so welcome and at home in her presence. I would love to have her as my neighbor. I have no fear of questions because Lord knows I have many. LOL Since St. Augustine is notorious for pirates, what's more appropriate than to see 20 or so stitchers dressed or singing like pirates. :0) It's quite a scene. There's always 'booty' to be had during class, auctions and other fun games and activities. It's just so much fun and the beach is right outside the window. Unfortunately, the class is SOLD OUT, but there's always next year so grab a seat for 2010.

Sunday afternoon is the last session with Susan and afterwards mom and I are heading to downtown St. Augustine for some must-do site seeing and shopping. We'll probably meet up with our friends from Nashville, Susan and Sally (two totally different Susan & Sally ladies) for a quick bite. Two years ago mom and I were in St. Augustine. We visited the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which is haunted might I add, and then ventured to the Fountain of Youth where I bought myself a little bottle of the Fountain of Youth water and then rubbed it on my hips as soon as I got home. LOL